Drain clogs are a typical household issue that can happen in any home. The age of the plumbing system, the number of people using the utilities, and the kinds of things being flushed down the drains can all affect how frequently drains become clogged.
In order to uncover any underlying problems and stop more clogs from happening, it may be a good idea to have your plumbing system checked by a professional plumber if you frequently have clogged drains. But, most homeowners will avoid calling a plumber until they’ve officially tried out everything in their power to unclog a drain, and that’s very understandable as plumbing bills can be quite expensive. However, what most homeowners don’t know is that some issues become increasingly expensive over time, causing the repair bill to cost a lot more than the average plumber’s fee. Figuring out if you need the professional help of a plumber can be quite easy if you know what you should be on the lookout for.
Frosty Pipes
Winter is usually the busiest season for plumbers because of the increased risk of pipes bursting, as that could lead to a 4-digit repair bill. Replacing burst pipes is a lot costlier than paying someone to repair them when they’re frosty.
Frozen pipes can cause clogged drains, but there is no direct connection between the two. As pipes freeze, the water inside expands, which may lead to a crack or pipe rupture. Frosty pipes can result from water freezing if the pipes are improperly insulated or if there are drafts in the area.
Frozen pipes can also result in drainage problems since the frozen water can block the flow of the water and cause clogs. Furthermore, if the frozen pipes are a component of a more extensive plumbing system, the reduced water pressure may result in delayed drainage, which may increase the risk of clogs.
When you spot frosting around your pipes or if you smell a pungent smell coming from them, then call your plumber immediately. Make sure that you don’t switch off your water in fear that it could cause extra damage to your pipes as they’re more likely to freeze up if they’re left inactive for too long during the cold seasons.
Very Low Water Pressure
Drain blockages may also be caused by extremely low water pressure. Low water pressure may result in insufficient water flow through the pipes to effectively remove trash and debris from the plumbing system. As a result, garbage and debris may accumulate in the pipes, causing clogs.
Blockages in the pipes, leaks, or issues with the water supply are just a few of the causes of low water pressure. Determining and solving the root cause of low water pressure is critical to stop it from generating clogged drains. This could involve correcting problems with the water supply or fixing leaks or clogs in the pipes.
If you’ve slowly been noticing that the water pressure in your shower has been declining over time, then you should give your plumber a call. Low water pressure is either caused by a buildup in your showerhead or the erosion of your main water line. If you’ve built up some experience with unclogging your showerhead over the years, then you can try to DIY it, but if you fail to spot the main reason behind the low water pressure then call your plumber as the issue might be a lot more serious than you think.
Have your plumbing system checked by a qualified plumber if you are having problems with low water pressure or clogged drains. A plumber can spot any underlying issues and suggest the best line of action for bringing your plumbing system back to full functionality.
Slow Water Drainage
A common indication of clogged drains is slow water drainage. Sinks, tubs, and other plumbing fixtures may take longer to drain water since the water flowing through the pipes is obstructed. Many things can slow down water drainage, including the accumulation of debris in the pipes, like hair, soap scum, and food wastes.
It’s critical to fix the problem immediately to avoid delayed water drainage developing into a total blockage. Try using a plunger or drain snake to remove the obstruction if your water drainage is slow. If none of these approaches works, hiring a plumber to locate the root of the blockage and remove it might be essential. A clogged sink that drains very slowly can be very frustrating when you can’t seem to get rid of the issue by using a plunger or a drain-cleaning product. Plumbers often advise against trying to pour different substances down the drain, as you might be causing more damage without realizing it. Contacting a plumber about your slow water drainage is the best course of action to take when you’re incapable of unclogging your drain with a plunger.
It’s crucial to refrain from flushing substances down the drain that can cause clogs in order to prevent future slow water drainage and clogged drains. In addition to other elements, this includes food scraps, grease, and hair. In addition, regular plumbing system maintenance, such as periodic drain and pipe cleaning, can aid in preventing obstructions and guarantee excellent water flow through your plumbing fixtures.
When a Commonly Used Drain Is Clogged
Time is of the essence when your house’s main bathroom drain is clogged, especially if multiple family members rely on that bathroom daily. Experienced plumbers over at allserviceplumbers.com/los-alamitos/ state that calling a reliable plumbing service can help you fix any drain issue within a few hours, as long as you pick the right one. Some plumbing services function around the clock, meaning that you can call in some help with a clogged drain or a leak in the middle of the night and still have them fix your problem quickly.
Gurgling Sounds
Hearing noises coming from your drain can be terrifying, especially when you picture the awful smell that will spread around the house if that pipe erupts.
As waste and water are removed from your property through drain pipes, vent pipes allow air to enter the pipes to keep them clear of obstructions and ensure ideal water flow.
The drain pipes may experience pressure if a vent pipe is blocked or clogged, which may cause gurgling noises as water and air attempt to move through the pipes. This may also result in sluggish water drainage or even total clogs.
The moment you start hearing gurgling noises from your drain, you should turn off the water as fast as you can and call your plumber. Gurgling is usually the result of a clogged or a damaged drain, so switching off the water will help prevent further damage until your plumber arrives.
Recurring Clogs After Using DIY Methods
Trying out different methods that you’ve read about on the internet can resolve a few minor clogged drain issues, but if those issues are recurring then you might have a big problem on your hands. Another explanation is that the DIY solutions used might have actually worsened the clog. For instance, utilizing chemical drain cleaners over time can damage pipes, causing harm and blockages. Clogs can also be caused by flushing anything down the drain that shouldn’t be flushed, such as grease or paper products.
Moreover, recurrent blockages could indicate a deeper plumbing problem, such as tree roots, collapsed or misaligned pipes, or hard water buildup. In some situations, DIY solutions might only offer temporary assistance; to prevent further blockages, the root cause must be addressed. A drain that continuously gets clogged can be an issue caused by your main sewer line, which can cost you a lot of money to repair if it reaches a critical state. Contacting your plumber before you try to unclog your sink for the 5th time is a much wiser decision as they’ll be able to fix the problem you’ve been trying to fix, but this time they’ll fix it for good.
Bad Smells
Smelling bad odors from a clogged drain is one of the most common issues that plumbers have to deal with. A lot of homeowners don’t know that these smells can be caused by a broken sewer pipe that’s causing damage to your property and the environment. Having an expert take a look at this issue can help you get rid of that awful smell around the house a lot faster.
The biggest mistake that you could make is to try to fix a clogged drain without doing any research on how to do it. Reading more about how to unclog drains and how to prevent them from getting clogged in the first place can save you a lot of money in plumbing and repair fees. However, you need to know when to give up and call a professional to prevent any further damages.
When you have a clogged drain, it is important to call a professional plumber to fix the problem. They have the experience and tools needed to safely and effectively clear the clog, and they can help prevent more severe issues from occurring. Attempting to fix the clog yourself can be dangerous, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Moreover, professional plumbers can provide advice on how to take care of your drains to prevent future clogs.